Week of the Young Child
What is Week of the Young Child?
The Week of the Young Child, a significant event sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), is celebrated annually. This year, it will be observed from April 6th to 12th. The Week of the Young Child draws public attention to the needs of young children (birth through age eight) and their families, acknowledging the early childhood programs and services that cater to these needs. It serves as a platform to raise community awareness and strategize how we, as individuals and communities, can better meet the needs of all young children and their families.
Why is early childhood development important?
The early years of a child’s life are not just a phase, but a transformative period that lays the foundation for their health and future development. These early experiences are not fleeting moments, but powerful opportunities that shape the development of the brain. This understanding of the transformative power of early childhood development should inspire us all to prioritize and invest in it.
Who Plays a Role?
Children look up to a variety of role models to influence how they behave. Every individual the child interacts with can influence how they think, behave and operate. Parents, educators, coaches, peers and policymakers are just some of the individuals who play a vital role in children's development.
Parents and caregivers
For many children, the most important role models are their parents and caregivers. Children look up to a variety of role models to help shape how they behave at home, in school, in relationships and in stressful/difficult situations. Parents/caregivers are the first “teachers” for their children. From birth, children rely on their caregivers for the care and support needed to live a happy and healthy life. Early interactions have a long-lasting ripple effect on development from the early childhood stages through adulthood. Caregivers' attitudes toward parenting and the practices that follow can create a foundation for the child to live a healthy life. All individuals in a child’s life can continue to grow and further develop their knowledge regarding the factors that can lead to their children living a healthy life. Reading educational articles about childhood development and parenting practices can help establish a foundation to build upon and increase caregiver knowledge of what aspects help create a healthy childhood.
Ways caregivers can encourage the healthy development of young children include:
- Follow the child’s lead and responding in a predictable way
- Showing compassion and sensitivity
- Have a consistent routine and rules
- Support health and safety
- Respond appropriately
- Discuss positive role models and what they look like
- Read parenting and early childhood development resources
Peers
Children's social world expands beyond their family and caregivers. As they grow, they form unique relationships with peers that significantly influence their development. During the early childhood stages, children acquire skills such as assertiveness, conflict management, social competence, respect, and play, largely through interactions with their peers. Peers can play a significant role in a child's later development, both positively and negatively.
Educators
Early educators use practices that build upon children’s established brain connections and support the further construction of knowledge. The educational experience young children receive from birth until age eight plays a crucial role in their development and influences their future. Early childhood educators help children build academic, social, motor and life skills.
Roles of an early childhood educator that promotes healthy development include:
- Incorporate social connections
- Create hands-on learning experiences
- Inspire and motivate
- Encourage creativity and self-expression
- Teach self-care
- Provide a positive, supportive learning environment
Policymakers
Policymakers can set the foundation for healthy development and well-being throughout life. Social determinants of health shape how one grows, lives, works and plays from the earliest stages of life. Systemic inequalities and access to basic needs affect a child's development and can have lasting consequences. Creating robust and equitable programs and support systems that account for social determinants can create a path toward healthy childhood development.
How Centennial’s Early Childhood Team Encourages Healthy Development
Centennial’s Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation program focuses on the target population of very young children from ages 0-5. The program promotes children’s social, emotional and behavioral aspects of their development when consulting with providers, and offers education and support that is specifically developed for caregivers of very young children. By promoting young children’s healthy development, the Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation team works to enhance the quality of lives for individuals, families and communities.
More to Come
We all play an important role in the development of children. We are excited to share more information with you throughout the week to celebrate our youngest members in our communities. Keep an eye on our social media this week for links to helpful information, fun activities and more!
